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Kids turn Bishop’s Waltham into pumpkin patch

Press Release: 23/10/2013

Over 150 children from Bishop’s Waltham infant and junior schools have taken part in a Halloween picture contest which will decorate the town centre with pumpkin art during the week of half term.

“Pumpkins on Parade” has been organised by the Bishop’s Waltham Town Team in collaboration with 40 shops and restaurants in the town centre. Every picture submitted for the contest will go on display in the participating shop, café, hairdresser and restaurant windows from Monday 28 October. The best five in each year group have been selected, and the budding young artists will be invited to join in a pumpkin carving workshop with a parent on Wednesday 30 October. The pumpkins carved by the children will then also go on display in the town centre and will be illuminated from late afternoon on Halloween night, Thursday 31 October.

Local restaurants have joined in the fun by serving special pumpkin menus on Halloween, and the Crown Inn is offering free face-painting from 3.30pm to 6pm.

Tony Kippenberger, Chairman of the Bishop’s Waltham Town Team, said:

This event has been made possible by the enthusiasm of both the businesses who are sponsoring it and the children who have taken part. It is testament to the community spirit we are so proud of in Bishop’s Waltham.

Portfolio Holder for Economic Development at Winchester City Council, Cllr Rob Humby, added:

I hope to see more events like this around the district which really connect the community with their town centre.

Locals will get another opportunity to see the illuminated pumpkins at the popular community firework event at Hoe Road Recreation Ground on Saturday 2 November. Children will parade their pumpkins in front of the crowd and Hampshire Fire Brigade will be asked to choose their three favourite pumpkins. The three winners will be awarded prizes, which have been kindly donated by the Southern Co-operative.